April’s First Friday, on Friday 5, 2024, was themed for the total eclipse. There were eclipse-themed arts and crafts.

First Friday is an event that occurs every first Friday of the month. Community members come downtown to participate in various activities and support the businesses in Downtown Wadsworth.

“My favorite part about First Fridays is walking around downtown with my friends,” said Mady Mahon, a sophomore at Wadsworth High School.

The February First Friday was not very populated due to the cold and rainy weather. However, the April eclipse-themed event was more abundant with citizens and activities.

“The businesses downtown tend to build more in the First Fridays from April on [through the year],” said Tom Stugmyer, the temporary Main Street Wadsworth Interim Director.

Adrianne Patrick was the previous Executive Director for Main Street Wadsworth, Stugmyer is taking over until the new director takes over. They have found a new director for the position and Main Street will release this information in a future press release.

There is a promotion team that consists of four groups in Main Street Wadsworth. These positions are all volunteer-based.

Mike Foreman, the astronaut from Wadsworth, teamed up with Stugmyer and the Wadsworth Public Library, while he was in town. Foreman signed his photo from space and a photo of all of the Ohio astronauts.

During First Friday, there was a telescope giveaway for the eclipse. Foreman pulled the winner on Friday night.

There was also a scavenger hunt going around to find certain eclipse-themed goodies. There were spaced-themed giveaways with some eclipse glasses.

“I am big in astronomy so the eclipse theme was my favorite part of the First Friday,” Stugmyer said.

First Fridays are a way to connect with the community while supporting the small businesses downtown. And the support of the public makes the business owners downtown want to continue participating in these events every month.